Solo sailing upwind from Savusavu to Wailagilala in Fiji S1 Ep5
February 28, 2023 · 14 min · 2K views · Viani Bay, Vanua Levu
What this video covers
A 1989 Pacific Seacraft Crealock 34, *Sea Change*, transited from Savusavu, Fiji, northeast through the Somosomo Strait to Wailagilala Atoll in September 2022.0:01 To navigate the coral-heavy anchorage at Viani Bay, the vessel utilized a pearl-form float and fender to suspend the anchor chain above the reef.2:57 The passage involved motor-sailing upwind against prevailing trade winds, requiring tight sheeting of the jib and staysail inside the shrouds to maintain 45-degree tacks.12:56 At the destination, Wailagilala Atoll, the vessel navigated a wide, shallow pass with minimal current before encountering a significant squall.13:31 Shore-side activities included scuba diving at the White Wall, hiking to the Tavoro Waterfalls in Bouma National Park on Taveuni Island, and visiting the private resort island of Matagi.2:39 The transit demonstrated that floating the chain effectively prevents fouling in coral-dominated anchorages, while motor-sailing remains necessary for making progress against consistent upwind conditions in this region.
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